Chamomile

Description

Chamomile is a flowering plant in the daisy family. It is native to Europe and Asia. The flowers are used medicinally.

Chamomile is considered a safe plant and has been used in many cultures for stomach ailments and as a mild sedative. Some studies primarily using combinations of chamomile with other plants, show it may have health benefits.

However, as with any combination product, it is hard to say that a benefit comes from any one plant.

One product with chamomile and other herbal medicines has been shown to ease upset stomach, heartburn, nausea and vomiting.

Some research suggests that chamomile could help with other conditions, like diarrhea in children, hemorrhoids, anxiety, and insomnia.

When used on the skin, chamomile might help with skin irritation and wound healing. Some research has documented that it may be as effective as hydrocortisone cream for eczema.
Major chemical compounds present within chamomile include apigenin and alpha-bisabolol.Other classes of chemical compounds found within the chamomile plant include: sesquiterpenes, terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, herniarin and umbelliferone.

Phenyl propanoids as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. Flavones such as apigenin and luteolin. Flavanols such as quercetin and rutin and polyacetylenes.
Chamomile is frequently added to skin cosmetics to serve as an emollient, and for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Chamomile is also often used to enhance the color of blonde hair.Chamomile oil is an essential oil extracted from the chamomile flower.

Chamomile essential oil is extracted from the blossom (flowers) of the plant. To extract oil from the plants, most manufacturers use steam distillation.

The flowers are placed in a still where hot steam is then applied.

The steam which must be hot enough to penetrate the plant without burning it—forces the essential oil out of the plant so it can be collected independently.